‘‘AN opportunity that Lancashire must not pass up’’ is how the quest to begin fracking for shale gas in the region was sold to businesses yesterday.

According to Government energy minister Michael Fallon, keynote speaker at the event in Blackpool, shale gas could lead to huge drops in energy bills ‘as seen in the US’. And East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce chairman Mike Damms said Lancashire has the chance to become a European leader in the industry.

The event took place as it was announced fracking could create 64,000 jobs in the UK.

But not everybody is so excited at the prospect of drilling in the region, with a group of protesters pitching up and spending the day outside the conference.

As the Lancashire Telegraph exclusively revealed last June, if fracking is given the go-ahead, massive reserves of underground shale gas are lying beneath East Lancashire along the M65 corridor.

The British Geological Survey’s study of shale gas resources in Lancashire doubled estimates of reserves and extended the potential drilling area from Blackpool and the Fylde right across the east of the county. But opponents have highlighted the potential for mini earthquakes, water contamination and inflammable gas coming through the taps.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph yesterday, Mr Fallon said fracking was a proven method of extracting gas. He said: “There is nothing new about gas, but this is a new source of home grown gas. These are all proven methods. This has been used around the world and there is nothing new about it.”

Mr Fallon, speaking at the conference organised by the North West Energy Task Force, said Lancashire had been chosen as the first place to try fracking in the UK because of the rich reserves beneath it.

He said: “We know shale gas is here. The Bowland shale stretches along 12 counties. We will see shale exploration in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Sussex, not just in the north west.”

Mr Fallon added that as long as local businesses, schools and colleges grasped the opportunity early on, jobs would remain local.

He said: “That is the opportunity for local firms to improve the skills necessary. There will also be extra boosts for industries who provide support such as steel and haulage and all the equipment needed to support these industries.

“This is also an opportunity for colleges to put on courses for the skills that are going to be needed.”

Meanwhile, outside the venue protesters including father and daughter John and Justine Stopforth were trying to make their point. Mr Stopforth said: “If fracking starts it will pollute the air and cause an absolute racket.”

During a panel discussion chaired by former England rugby international Bill Beaumont, industry experts, including Mr Damms, explained how businesses can benefit from the industry. One of the key messages they tried to get across was that Aberdeen, a world leader in offshore energy production, was an example to follow.

John Blaymires, boss of energy firm iGas, said: “The north west could be the Aberdeen of the onshore shale industry. This could put the UK in the driving seat for the whole of Europe.”

And owner of engineering firm Addison plc, Mike Addison, said it was important to engage with locals who had concerns.

He said: “We need to win the hearts and minds of people and it is important that is done locally. The success of the industry needs to be shared locally and with the people of the county.”

On the issue of skills and labour, Mr Damms said: “A lot of the skills are transferable so they would not be lost if fracking does not happen, although I hope it does and believe it will. My advice to small and medium enterprises is to be involved with it.”

He added: “We have a big chance to be a UK and European leader in this field. If we make the wrong decision not to have fracking in Lancashire we could have missed a huge opportunity.”

Mr Damms said some East Lancashire firms had already registered an interest in supporting the fracking industry, including Precision Polymer Engineering in Blackburn, Kirk Environmental and BCW Engineering in Burnley, PDS Engineering in Nelson and WEC in Darwen.

Comments (16)

Fracking is going to happen, get used to it. The ever increasing demand for energy, the need to have independent domestic sources and reduced dependence on imported sources-particularly from volatile regions such as Russia- means that it is a certainty. It doesn't matter how many protesters camp out etc etc., this area is destined to be one of the main suppliers of shale gas in the country. As sure as death and taxes.

Fracking is going to happen, get used to it. The ever increasing demand for energy, the need to have independent domestic sources and reduced dependence on imported sources-particularly from volatile regions such as Russia- means that it is a certainty. It doesn't matter how many protesters camp out etc etc., this area is destined to be one of the main suppliers of shale gas in the country. As sure as death and taxes.oldblue

oldblue wrote:
Fracking is going to happen, get used to it. The ever increasing demand for energy, the need to have independent domestic sources and reduced dependence on imported sources-particularly from volatile regions such as Russia- means that it is a certainty. It doesn't matter how many protesters camp out etc etc., this area is destined to be one of the main suppliers of shale gas in the country. As sure as death and taxes.

as long as we get all the revenue generated

[quote][p][bold]oldblue[/bold] wrote:
Fracking is going to happen, get used to it. The ever increasing demand for energy, the need to have independent domestic sources and reduced dependence on imported sources-particularly from volatile regions such as Russia- means that it is a certainty. It doesn't matter how many protesters camp out etc etc., this area is destined to be one of the main suppliers of shale gas in the country. As sure as death and taxes.[/p][/quote]as long as we get all the revenue generatedjimpy0

I am old enough to remember the onset of North sea gas, Every home in Britain would have almost free gas, It never happened and it won't lower energy bills now or in the future because governments like the money too much. simple.

I am old enough to remember the onset of North sea gas, Every home in Britain would have almost free gas, It never happened and it won't lower energy bills now or in the future because governments like the money too much. simple.mavrick

There have been many settlements in America all done out of court and stipulating the family including children never talk about it or any details. The above link is one that made it to court. Fracking is a disaster.

There have been many settlements in America all done out of court and stipulating the family including children never talk about it or any details. The above link is one that made it to court. Fracking is a disaster.jogalot

Here is a supposed fracking "expert" outside the meeting in Blackpool, being abusive to the anti fracking protesters.See it for yourself, it is disgusting:

https://m.youtube.co
m/watch?v=xEh3rHfj6H
8&feature=youtu.be

Here is a supposed fracking "expert" outside the meeting in Blackpool, being abusive to the anti fracking protesters.See it for yourself, it is disgusting:
https://m.youtube.co
m/watch?v=xEh3rHfj6H
8&feature=youtu.beGood call

A Darener wrote:
Are all those anti frackers prepared to sit in the dark and cook on a wood burning stove?

The frackulas are out in force tonight, sucking the life blood from our planet and the good people on it.

There are lots of renewable energy sources that won't cost the earth. They may seem expensive now, but when all the power companies get behind them the costs will plummet.

Who are you frackulas? Brainwashed fools who still think the government cares, or are you the politicians yourselves? That's the only reason why anyone would want to frack - there's lots of backhanders to be had. If you won't read all the evidence against fracking and really believe fracking is good, then go frack yourself and find out the hard way.

[quote][p][bold]A Darener[/bold] wrote:
Are all those anti frackers prepared to sit in the dark and cook on a wood burning stove?[/p][/quote]The frackulas are out in force tonight, sucking the life blood from our planet and the good people on it.
There are lots of renewable energy sources that won't cost the earth. They may seem expensive now, but when all the power companies get behind them the costs will plummet.
Who are you frackulas? Brainwashed fools who still think the government cares, or are you the politicians yourselves? That's the only reason why anyone would want to frack - there's lots of backhanders to be had. If you won't read all the evidence against fracking and really believe fracking is good, then go frack yourself and find out the hard way.jogalot

Good call wrote:
Here is a supposed fracking &quot;expert" outside the meeting in Blackpool, being abusive to the anti fracking protesters.See it for yourself, it is disgusting:

https://m.youtube.co

m/watch?v=xEh3rHfj6H

8&amp;feature=youtu.
be

Hardly shows the protesters in a good light, either, though, does it? Shouting "That guy is SCUM" over a loud-speaker in Blackpool town centre isn't going to win many people over. Bunch of smug losers need to have a good look at themselves if they're going to persuade other people of the dangers of fracking.

[quote][p][bold]Good call[/bold] wrote:
Here is a supposed fracking "expert" outside the meeting in Blackpool, being abusive to the anti fracking protesters.See it for yourself, it is disgusting:
https://m.youtube.co
m/watch?v=xEh3rHfj6H
8&feature=youtu.
be[/p][/quote]Hardly shows the protesters in a good light, either, though, does it? Shouting "That guy is SCUM" over a loud-speaker in Blackpool town centre isn't going to win many people over. Bunch of smug losers need to have a good look at themselves if they're going to persuade other people of the dangers of fracking.happycyclist

Britain needs more energy. Demand is growing. And, as recent, events in the Ukraine have shown, being dependent on foreign countries for much of your energy is not all that smart.

There are three choices for developing home grown energy. Renewables (hydro, solar, tidal or wind). Or fracking. Or both.

The other choice is not enough energy and sitting in the dark. There is no easy choice - so people have to decide what they want in their area. Renewables or fracking.

Britain needs more energy. Demand is growing. And, as recent, events in the Ukraine have shown, being dependent on foreign countries for much of your energy is not all that smart.
There are three choices for developing home grown energy. Renewables (hydro, solar, tidal or wind). Or fracking. Or both.
The other choice is not enough energy and sitting in the dark. There is no easy choice - so people have to decide what they want in their area. Renewables or fracking.Excluded again

well here we go!
There on there way to us now in colne.
our council will let them go for it if they can get some money out of it
an they will not bother asking us there will just go for the money.
It will be interesting to see the end of the M.6.5. HERE why the end of
this road because a large part of it is sitting on a lot of gas now
So when they start they will cut us off from the motorway here.
Then the councils will put the bypass back on
THE MONEY MAKING BOOKS.
ALSO DO NOT FORGET THE BOUNDY MILL garden centre which they
have already been payed for .
it will be interesting to see what happens when the **** it the fan and it
will here in colne FRACKING/ NO GREEN BELT/ NO ROAD TO COLNE/
LOSE OF PROPERTY E.I. HOMES/ AND A BYPASS TO NO WHERE
WELL I HOPE YOU ALL OUT THERE REMEMBER THE LIB DEM
IN OUR TOWN HAVE VOTED FOR ALL OF THIS TO GO THROUTH
WHERE WE HAVE A MEETING OR NOT THINK OUT YOUR VOTE IN MAY IN MAY NOT 2015 IN MAY

well here we go!
There on there way to us now in colne.
our council will let them go for it if they can get some money out of it
an they will not bother asking us there will just go for the money.
It will be interesting to see the end of the M.6.5. HERE why the end of
this road because a large part of it is sitting on a lot of gas now
So when they start they will cut us off from the motorway here.
Then the councils will put the bypass back on
THE MONEY MAKING BOOKS.
ALSO DO NOT FORGET THE BOUNDY MILL garden centre which they
have already been payed for .
it will be interesting to see what happens when the **** it the fan and it
will here in colne FRACKING/ NO GREEN BELT/ NO ROAD TO COLNE/
LOSE OF PROPERTY E.I. HOMES/ AND A BYPASS TO NO WHERE
WELL I HOPE YOU ALL OUT THERE REMEMBER THE LIB DEM
IN OUR TOWN HAVE VOTED FOR ALL OF THIS TO GO THROUTH
WHERE WE HAVE A MEETING OR NOT THINK OUT YOUR VOTE IN MAY IN MAY NOT 2015 IN MAYjenkinsroy

jenkinsroy wrote:
well here we go!
There on there way to us now in colne.
our council will let them go for it if they can get some money out of it
an they will not bother asking us there will just go for the money.
It will be interesting to see the end of the M.6.5. HERE why the end of
this road because a large part of it is sitting on a lot of gas now
So when they start they will cut us off from the motorway here.
Then the councils will put the bypass back on
THE MONEY MAKING BOOKS.
ALSO DO NOT FORGET THE BOUNDY MILL garden centre which they
have already been payed for .
it will be interesting to see what happens when the **** it the fan and it
will here in colne FRACKING/ NO GREEN BELT/ NO ROAD TO COLNE/
LOSE OF PROPERTY E.I. HOMES/ AND A BYPASS TO NO WHERE
WELL I HOPE YOU ALL OUT THERE REMEMBER THE LIB DEM
IN OUR TOWN HAVE VOTED FOR ALL OF THIS TO GO THROUTH
WHERE WE HAVE A MEETING OR NOT THINK OUT YOUR VOTE IN MAY IN MAY NOT 2015 IN MAY

Can anybody decipher what this says?

Think you should lay off the drugs jenkinsroy!!

[quote][p][bold]jenkinsroy[/bold] wrote:
well here we go!
There on there way to us now in colne.
our council will let them go for it if they can get some money out of it
an they will not bother asking us there will just go for the money.
It will be interesting to see the end of the M.6.5. HERE why the end of
this road because a large part of it is sitting on a lot of gas now
So when they start they will cut us off from the motorway here.
Then the councils will put the bypass back on
THE MONEY MAKING BOOKS.
ALSO DO NOT FORGET THE BOUNDY MILL garden centre which they
have already been payed for .
it will be interesting to see what happens when the **** it the fan and it
will here in colne FRACKING/ NO GREEN BELT/ NO ROAD TO COLNE/
LOSE OF PROPERTY E.I. HOMES/ AND A BYPASS TO NO WHERE
WELL I HOPE YOU ALL OUT THERE REMEMBER THE LIB DEM
IN OUR TOWN HAVE VOTED FOR ALL OF THIS TO GO THROUTH
WHERE WE HAVE A MEETING OR NOT THINK OUT YOUR VOTE IN MAY IN MAY NOT 2015 IN MAY[/p][/quote]Can anybody decipher what this says?
Think you should lay off the drugs jenkinsroy!!clitheroe blue boy

Only one thing to say to you idiot is wait till they
Are on your door step and your home is going in a skip
To make way for our road expansion that is planed then
Remember what I told you everywhere in the PENDLE AREA SITE ARE
SET ASIDE FOR ROAD AND NOW THE NEW TRAIN LINE H2.
So before you take the **** out of some one
How is trying to let you all know what is going on.
So I would say to you is look around where you live and if you want to keep
If I would put you energy into that and not taking the **** out of me O.K.
Have a nice day.
OH check the bottom of your road is there any digger’s there?

clitheroe blue boy says...
Only one thing to say to you idiot is wait till they
Are on your door step and your home is going in a skip
To make way for our road expansion that is planed then
Remember what I told you everywhere in the PENDLE AREA SITE ARE
SET ASIDE FOR ROAD AND NOW THE NEW TRAIN LINE H2.
So before you take the **** out of some one
How is trying to let you all know what is going on.
So I would say to you is look around where you live and if you want to keep
If I would put you energy into that and not taking the **** out of me O.K.
Have a nice day.
OH check the bottom of your road is there any digger’s there?jenkinsroy

So the government says its safe, and everyone should believe them-yeah right. Not that they are desperate for a solution to the energy problem, and need a quick fix, which in the long run could have huge consequences to the uk as a whole.
Why is it that most of the data collected by the companies is never ever published to the public at large. Also why do they not mention what chemicals are used in the process. Who will pay, if there is mass contamination of the water+polllution to the countryside.
Also, wells can still leak, after they have been used-if this happens who pays to sort it. I could go on,with other concerns, but what i'm trying to say is that there has not been enough research done on the impact in the uk for this too go ahead. All i ask is that we should question this whole process.
The government hope bribes and the abundance of jobs it will create, will win them popularity, but we could all pay a heavier price-our health.
I will leave with the reality that they will need to drill 2-3,000 wells a year...now that's a big impact on the whole of the UK.

So the government says its safe, and everyone should believe them-yeah right. Not that they are desperate for a solution to the energy problem, and need a quick fix, which in the long run could have huge consequences to the uk as a whole.
Why is it that most of the data collected by the companies is never ever published to the public at large. Also why do they not mention what chemicals are used in the process. Who will pay, if there is mass contamination of the water+polllution to the countryside.
Also, wells can still leak, after they have been used-if this happens who pays to sort it. I could go on,with other concerns, but what i'm trying to say is that there has not been enough research done on the impact in the uk for this too go ahead. All i ask is that we should question this whole process.
The government hope bribes and the abundance of jobs it will create, will win them popularity, but we could all pay a heavier price-our health.
I will leave with the reality that they will need to drill 2-3,000 wells a year...now that's a big impact on the whole of the UK.dan-dare6